Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Growing up in Minnesota, we didn't actually have a ton of local doughnut shops at the time, so we had to get them from grocery bakeries.

My local grocery store had both long john's AND eclairs - the key difference being the filling. Long Johns had none and sometimes had sprinkles or coconut topping - where as eclairs were filled evil.

also you can check out Flo, Toast, and Over Easy... All do a pretty good job. Have fun!

I'm glad I don't like eating mooncakes anyway because I'm not sure I could look at them the same way again.

All of the Chinese names for them have to do with the Mahjong game as well. It's quite funny.

what happens when you open them up?

Wow Mr. Nagrant you really got some stones thrown at you in the comment section. While I have only lived in Chicago for two years I think your review is really exceptional. The mentioning of pequod's, Al's and GEPPERTHS! I think you really got it down, awesome summary!

Please note indigenous Chicagoans there is no mention of LouMalnatis here. Mostly because its not good.

I love this place and so sad that there are none in North Jersey where I have moved.....was in Philly the other day and planned a stop on the way home....got the tuna, no cheese, pickles - L&T and HOT PEPPERS.....also bought 2 jars of the peppers to bring home. A few weeks ago I had to eat with a co-worker at a Quizno's and made them toast the tuna with no cheese and they asked 3 times and even had the manager come to verify what I had requested. Sadly that wasn't even close to having a Potbelly sandwich. After I ate the other day, I regretted not getting the large - I contemplated ordering a 2nd regular but thought the staff might think I have an eating disorder - the only disorder is that I don't have a Potbelly near me!

The Newark Style Italian Hot Dog is mostly found in North Jersey. The few places outside of this area that make an authentic one are made by people who grew up in or near Newark. These establishments are in what I consider slightly south of Central Jersey.

Jersey Joe's in Port Monmouth makes a very good Italian Hot Dog http://www.jjoes.com/

Frankly Burgers and More in Freehold does as well. http://franklyburgers.com/

I've been to both of these places several times.

Another that I would recommend is Jersey Dogs in Wrightstown. http://jerseydogsonline.com/Home_Page.html

I haven't been here, but a friend of mine has and said it's excellent. Holly Moore also likes it. http://www.hollyeats.com/JerseyDogsWrights.htm

JoJo's is in Toms River, but I would stay away as the others mentioned are much better. Also stay away from the pizzeria versions (except for Dickie Dees in Newark) because they are not authentic. Meaning that instead of using traditional pizza bread they use a sub roll. Many don't use an all beef dog, which is a must for this sandwich. Some grill or steam rather than fry or saute the ingredients. And the bastardized versions also use french fries instead of potatoes cut in chunks or thinly sliced, which resemble home fries.

It might be worth your while to make a trip to North Jersey. Aside from being the area where this sandwich originated (with Jimmy Buff's in 1932), North Jersey has what I consider the widest variety of styles of hot dogs as well as the best on the planet. Jimmy Buff's has 3 locations, and if you want to visit one, I can make sure that Jimmy will be there to meet you. Tommy's in Elizabeth also makes a top notch Italian Hot Dog that many people consider the absolute best.

http://www.jimmybuff.com/display.php?page=home

And don't count out New Jersey! We have the Texas Weiner, the dirty water dog, and all other styles. Especially the Newark style Italian Hot Dog, which no other area has. Now that would make for a good print.

Dear Hawk Krall: Please make a Pittsburgh "O" Dog print. Even though you are from Philly, don't hate on the 'burgh. We like you and will buy your wares. Thanks!

I have eaten Hot dogs on 5 continents and almost 1/2 of America, probably about 150 cities in my travels. I would have to say none so far even compare to Rhode Island's, their "Hot Weiner" all the way are the best! They are small mild hot dogs served on a steamed bun with some kind of meat sauce, mustard, onions and celery salt! Addictive...I eat about 6 when I go to RI.

In Rhode Island they also sold hot dogs in the raw at the market under the brand "Saugy's" and these were the best I have ever bought, very mild, made with veal,pork and beef with a snap from the natural casing. I have a friend who ships them to me in Florida. You can also buy the New York System's Weenie Meat Sauce online at www.olneyvillenysystem.com and make them at home. It is easy to make and tastes like the real thing, I use the Saugy's brand with this meat sauce and I think it might even be better! You make them in this order..place dog in fresh steamed bun, a generous amount of plain yellow mustard, then top with a heaping pile of the meat sauce, then top that with the finely diced onions and shake some celery salt on top. Do not forget the celery salt on top..it's important. You'll Love it!

THANK YOU! I had been avoiding Potbelly for years - thinking it would be too heavy/bready. After reading the article and comments, headed immediately to the nearest Potbelly and had the Italian (no lettuce ... warm lettuce gives me the heebies) and adored the hot peppers and chocolate malt. Going back tomorrow for a salad.

I'm craving Potbelly now...a sub chain that also serves milkshakes!